New RAD Farmers Market throws a big party with All Souls Pizza

Maggie Ullman, left, and Monica Sota shop for produce at the Ten Mile Farm booth during the Montford Tailgate Market. The market has moved to Clingman Avenue in the River Arts District.(Photo: Citizen-Times photo)

ASHEVILLE – The Montford Farmers Market, now called the River Arts District Farmers Market, moved last week to a new home at 175 Clingman Ave. Now, market organizers say it's time for a housewarming party, which will take place Wednesday.

The celebration is a collaborative effort with All Souls Pizza, which hosts the market on its lawn. The restaurant is also celebrating its one-year anniversary.

Christa Tolson, RAD Farmers Market manager, said the the market's new digs are a bit snug after adding more vendors this season. But there's now more parking and, even better, grass. "We're not on the black asphalt anymore," she said. "That parking lot was hot."

But even if the market can't grow much more, Tolson expects the new location to be more high-profile spot with plenty of drive-by traffic. "We think we'll get more customers now that they'll see we're up and running," Tolson said.

The previous market location, behind the Chamber of Commerce building on Montford Avenue, became pressed for parking once Lenoir-Rhyne University moved into the building. And though Tolson said the market crew misses the old Montford neighborhood, the new location has its charms, too.

"We've received a ton of support from the River Arts District area," she said. "Everyone's really excited there's a market, now."

All Souls and the RAD Farmers Market will host a cookout Wednesday in celebration of the restaurant's birthday and the market's new digs. Local chef Elliott Moss, who's opening the barbecue-centric Buxton Hall in the fall with Chai Pani's Meherwan Irani, is cooking a 'cue dinner. Other chefs will fashion market produce into sides.

The grand opening celebration/one year anniversary party will be 2-10 p.m. Festivities include live music, food specials, market tastings and more. Farmers Market hours are 2-6 pm.